'RIGGED'

England celebrate a two-run win that put them 2-0 up in the three-match series

While scoring his second one-day international century, Stokes showed no effects of the problem that forced him off the field at Headingley last Wednesday.

But when he came to bowl, Stokes regularly banged his left foot on the floor, required some medical attention and appeared to be wincing with discomfort at times.

He took South Africa’s first wicket during his initial three-over spell – but then was not given the ball again.

So he has bowled five overs in the last two games.

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Jos Buttler hit 65 from 53 balls in a late cameo to lift England to 330 from their 50 overs

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Kagiso Rabada was the pick of the South African bowlers with two wickets

Stokes appears to be carrying an injury but surely, if the England management thought there was any risk involved, he would not have played.

It would be a major surprise, though, if he appears in the third and final match against South Africa at Lord’s on Monday. He is just too important to England’s strategy for the mini-World Cup.

Don’t forget Stokes had an operation on the same joint exactly a year ago.

Chris Woakes, another key man for England, also has an injury and he was left out with a “tight right quad.” He is also unlikely to play on Monday.

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Quinton de Kock was left devastated after being dismissed for 98

Stokes could have been run out before he faced a ball and then, incredibly, was dropped off the first two balls he received off left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj.

First, Hashim Amla at slip barely laid a finger on a straightforward, knee-high offering and then wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock couldn’t cling onto an edge.

Stokes, hitting with brutal power, sure as heck made South Africa pay for their benevolence.

He was chiefly responsible for sweeping England to 330-6 – nine runs fewer than they managed in the first match.

Alex Hales, Joe Root (run out while backing up at the non-striker’s end) and Eoin Morgan all became established without going on to a major score.

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Liam Plunkett took three wickets to keep England in it

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AB de Villiers hit 52 before being caught behind by Jos Buttler

Jos Buttler, short of runs in recent matches for England, contributed a typically skilful and unorthodox 65 not out from 53 deliveries.

Totals beyond 300 are routine for England these days but this a decent effort because they batted for most of their innings in overcast, bowler-friendly conditions.

England were also helped by South Africa dropping an incredible six catches – including, of course, that pair from the first two balls that Stokes faced.

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David Miller finished unbeaten on 71 but couldn't get South Africa over the line

South Africa made a strong fist of chasing their target with de Kock scoring 98 and AB de Villiers 52. In fact, while those two were putting on 96 for the third wicket, the Proteas looked to be favourites.

And they looked certain to win near the end but first Jake Ball and then Wood conjured up some superb death bowling – and England triumphed again.